Ireland ‘A’ To Play Tonga And Argentina Jaguars
November promises to be an action-packed month of international rugby with the announcement today that Ireland ‘A’ will play Tonga and the Argentina Jaguars. Ireland ‘A’ will face the mighty Tongans in Ravenhill, while the game against the Jaguars will take place in Tallaght.
The Irish Rugby Football Union today confirmed that Churchill Cup champions Ireland ‘A’ will play both Tonga and the Argentina Jaguars in international games during November.
The full Tongan international side will be hosted at the home of Ulster Rugby – Ravenhill – on what promises to be another Friday night extravaganza of top class rugby.
Tonga, famed for their hard hitting approach to the game, will visit Belfast on Friday, November 13 as the opening international game in Ireland during November.
The IRFU also confirmed today that Tallaght Stadium in Dublin will host its first ever international rugby match when the Argentina ‘A’ side, who are known as the Jaguars, will play Ireland ‘A’ on Friday, November 27, 24 hours before Ireland play World champions South Africa at Croke Park in the GUINNESS Series.
The ‘A’ internationals are part of a five-match package of games during the traditional November international window with ticket prices for the ‘A’ games to be announced shortly.
The two ‘A’ internationals form part of a mouth-watering menu of international rugby in November with the national team already set to play Australia, Fiji and World champions South Africa in the GUINNESS Series 2009.
A limited number of tickets for the three GUINNESS Series games remain on sale – click here.
Commenting on the announcement, IRFU Director of Rugby Eddie Wigglesworth said: “These games will provide a great spectacle for the rugby fans in both Belfast and Tallaght as the Ireland ‘A’ team will contain some of the top emerging talent in Irish rugby.
“In terms of international experience, this will be vital as the national management continue to develop the depth of the international squads.
“We are particularly excited about holding the first ever international game in Tallaght, something that we were conscious of when we selected the venue in terms of game development.
“The Tallaght Project, which began in 2001, has exposed over 6,000 children and adults to the game in the area to the point where Tallaght Rugby Club has become a focal point in the local community.
“The game against the Argentina Jaguars continues that legacy by bringing international rugby to Tallaght to be enjoyed by current and prospective rugby players and supporters.”
INTERNATIONAL RUGBY IN NOVEMBER:
Ireland ‘A’ Internationals –
Ireland ‘A’ v Tonga
Friday, November 13
Ravenhill, Belfast (kick-off to be confirmed)
Ireland ‘A’ v Argentina Jaguars
Friday, November 27
Tallaght Stadium, Dublin (kick-off to be confirmed)
GUINNESS Series 2009 –
Ireland v Australia
Sunday, November 15
Croke Park, Dublin (kick-off 3pm)
Ireland v Fiji
Saturday, November 21
The RDS, Dublin (kick-off 5.15pm)
Ireland v South Africa
Saturday, November 28
Croke Park, Dublin (kick-off 2.30pm)
GUINNESS Series 2009 Tickets – click here.